About
Kopuwai Early Learning Centre is the only not-for-profit, parent run childcare centre in Alexandra and we pride ourselves on being a small centre, with a strong whānau and community focus.
Family Structure
Our centre has a strong family-oriented philosophy, where parent participation and input are an important part of each child’s learning journey. Our doors are always open to whānau, and we warmly welcome you to be part of our daily programme. We value the knowledge, experiences, and culture that our families bring, and we strive to create a supportive community of learners where these contributions are shared and celebrated.
Fundraising
As a not-for-profit centre, we rely on fundraising to support new resources, programme developments, and facility upgrades. Fundraising priorities are first identified by our teachers, reviewed by the Board of Governance, and then developed with our parent-led Fundraising Committee via Storypark. Parents can join this group at enrolment or anytime thereafter.
We typically run one major fundraiser each year, with a few smaller activities, and greatly appreciate the volunteer support of families. Every dollar raised is reinvested directly into enhancing the learning environment for our tamariki.
Why Kopuwai?
A Rapuwai pakiwaitara tells of Kopuwai, a fearsome giant who lived near the Clutha/Mata-Au River and hunted people with his pack of two-headed dogs. When he captured a young woman named Kaiamio from a Kaitangata hunting party, he kept her as his slave.
Kopuwai’s only weakness was the warm nor-west wind, which made him sleepy. To stop Kaiamio escaping, he tied a taura (flax rope) from her arm to his. Cleverly, she untied it and fastened it to a wīwī rush, tricking him into thinking she was still there while she fled.
When Kopuwai awoke and realised she was gone, he raged and drank so much of the Mata-Au that its riverbed ran dry. Kaiamio reached the coast safely, then returned with warriors to avenge her capture. They waited for the nor-west wind to send Kopuwai to sleep, set fire to his cave, and killed him as he tried to escape. His dogs, returning too late, searched in vain and eventually turned to stone—becoming the rocky outcrops seen today between the Old Man Range/Kopuwai and South Canterbury.
Kopuwai’s spirit remains in the 26-metre rock known as The Obelisk or Old Man Rock, within the Kopuwai Historic Reserve — a wāhi taoka (sacred place) rich in natural beauty and cultural history.
Our Facilities
Indoor Facilities
We are very proud of our wonderful early learning centre facility. Our modern childcare centre has large indoor spaces to cater for all of our children and different age groups. We have a wide range of toys, books and educational resources for all of our children to enjoy.
Kitchen & Bathrooms
Kopuwai Early Learning Centre has a modern kitchen facility meaning we have the facility to heat food for our children's lunches. We have a dedicated nappy changing area and clean toilet facilities including an accessible bathroom and toilet.
Outdoor Play Area
Our large outdoor play area is covered by colourful shade sails during the summer months. We have an excellent range of outdoor spaces including a sand pit, slide and tyre swings. Lots of toys and equipment is available for the children to play, discover and learn with. We also have enclosed decking area for when the weather is not playing ball! This allows the children to continue to explore and play in the colder months, also allowing for more shade and shelter in the summer months.
History
1983
Began operating as Alexandra Creche at the same location. One teacher (and 2 parent helpers) to 24 children.
1977
The Women’s Division of Federated Farmers opened on Thursday afternoons and Friday mornings in the rooms at St Enochs church hall, to allow somewhere for children to go while mothers did shopping, errands etc.
1991
The Early Childhood Centre was born and was relocated to a Ministry of Education property on Marslin Street. Now having to meet government standards four teachers were employed to care for 22 children.
1995
The Centre became Alexandra Childcare Centre (1995) Incorporated.
2014 Extensive renovations were finally completed after a huge effort of fundraising and planning. At this stage, it was decided to rebrand to Kopuwai Early Learning Centre.
